We’ve installed Reclaim Heat Pump systems across Perth, and barely a week goes by without a homeowner asking the same question: “Is it actually worth it, or is it just the trendy option?”
Fair enough. No one wants to spend a few thousand dollars on something that doesn’t deliver. So here’s our honest take, based on real installs and the numbers that matter for WA homes.
Key Takeaways:
- The Reclaim Heat Pump operates at 37dB – quieter than a standard household refrigerator.
- Annual running costs drop to as low as $42/yr, compared to up to $1,459/yr for electric storage (Reclaim Energy, 2026).
- STC rebates of $800-$1,200 reduce installed costs for most Perth homeowners, with a typical payback in 3-4 years.
- Best suited to homes with outdoor installation space and solar or off-peak electricity tariffs.
How Does the Reclaim Heat Pump Actually Work?
The Reclaim is a CO2 heat pump that pulls heat from the surrounding air to warm your water, using about 70% less electricity than a standard electric storage system (Reclaim Energy). Every 1 kW of electricity drawn produces around 3-4 kW of useful heat – that ratio is the coefficient of performance (COP), and it’s what makes heat pumps so efficient.
It’s a split system: the heat pump unit sits outside, the insulated tank mounts on a wall nearby. Perth’s climate suits it well. Our winter mornings average around 7.9°C, and the Reclaim runs at full rated efficiency down to 5°C ambient – so you won’t lose performance during cold snaps.
The CO2 refrigerant (R744) is worth mentioning, too. It has a global warming potential of just 1, making the Reclaim one of the more environmentally sound hot water options in Australia.
Our experience: In almost every install we’ve done across the Perth metro, the Reclaim reaches target temperature within the first operating cycle, even in winter. We’ve rarely had a callback related to heat output.
What Does It Cost to Run, and How Quickly Does It Pay Back?
Running costs are where the Reclaim earns its price tag. Perth households on Synergy’s Midday Saver tariff typically see annual hot water costs drop to $42-$116, compared to up to $1,459 for a standard electric storage system. That’s a saving of over $1,200 per year in the best case.
Installed price sits between $3,000 and $6,000, depending on the job. With STC rebates of $800-$1,200 applied at the point of sale under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (Clean Energy Regulator, 2026), most Perth homeowners’ out-of-pocket costs land closer to $2,000-$4,800. Payback typically runs 3-4 years for homes on the Midday Saver tariff.
Running Cost Comparison: Annual Estimated Hot Water Costs, Perth 2026
System | Annual Running Cost (approx.) |
Reclaim Heat Pump (Midday Saver tariff) | $42 – $116/yr |
Gas Hot Water System | $350 – $500/yr |
Standard Electric Storage | $1,200 – $1,459/yr |
Source: Ecoheat Energy install data, Synergy tariff rates 2026
For a detailed breakdown by tariff type, see our heat pump running cost breakdown for Perth homes.
Is It Quiet Enough for a Suburban Perth Block?
At 37dB, the Reclaim is the quietest heat pump hot water system we install. That’s roughly the sound of a refrigerator running in your kitchen, low background noise that most Perth homeowners don’t notice once the unit is up and running.
For most suburban blocks, placement near a side fence isn’t an issue. If your neighbour’s bedroom window is directly adjacent to where the unit needs to go, it’s worth a conversation about placement first. We cover setback distances and positioning in our guide to quiet heat pump hot water systems for Perth homes.
What Are the Real Limitations?
No system suits every home, and we’d rather tell you upfront than have you find out after the install.
The Reclaim is a split system, so you need adequate outdoor wall space for the heat pump unit plus clearance for airflow. Enclosed courtyards or tight utility areas can reduce efficiency. If your home has no viable outdoor install position, it may not be the right fit.
Tank sizes run from 160L to 400L, covering most household sizes. If you need a compact all-in-one unit with a smaller footprint, the Apricus may suit you better. See our heat pump sizing guide for Perth homes to compare.
It runs on a standard 10A power circuit, so no electrical upgrade is needed in most Perth homes. If your switchboard or hot water circuit is non-standard, we’ll flag it before the install date.
Our Verdict: Is the Reclaim Heat Pump Worth It?
For most Perth homes: yes. The Reclaim heat pump offers a 10-year warranty on the tank and compressor, the low noise, the CO2 refrigerant, and the running cost savings all stack up well against the upfront cost. We’ve installed them in everything from older Claremont homes to new Ellenbrook builds, and the feedback is consistently strong.
Where it’s not the obvious choice: very tight spaces with no viable outdoor install position, or households needing a compact integrated unit.
Not sure if it suits your setup? Get in touch for a no-obligation quote. We’ll walk you through your options honestly, no pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Reclaim Heat Pump last?
The Reclaim comes with a 10-year warranty on both the tank and compressor – one of the strongest in the Australian heat pump market. With regular servicing, real-world lifespan typically exceeds 15 years. Our team provides heat pump servicing across Perth to keep your system running efficiently.
Does the Reclaim Heat Pump work in Perth winters?
Yes. Perth’s average winter minimum sits around 7.9°C, and the Reclaim operates at full rated efficiency down to 5°C ambient. You won’t notice any performance drop during our coldest months, it’s one of the reasons it suits WA’s climate particularly well.
What STC rebate is available for a Reclaim Heat Pump in Perth?
Most Perth homeowners qualify for $800-$1,200 in STC rebates under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (Clean Energy Regulator, 2026). The amount depends on system size and postcode. We handle all STC paperwork as part of every install.
Can I run a Reclaim Heat Pump on solar power?
Yes, pairing the Reclaim with a solar PV system and timing it to run during peak generation hours can reduce your running costs close to zero. Read more in our heat pump hot water systems guide for Perth homes for pairing tips.
What is the installation process like?
We start with an in-home consultation and suitability check, then give you a quote with the STC rebate already calculated. Installation is usually done within half a day, and we finish with commissioning, a walkthrough of the controls, and warranty registration. Follow-up support is part of the deal.
